The definition of daunting: the chance to sit down with one of your favorite living authors. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity recently when award-winning author Ann Patchett was in town for the Dec. 7 world premiere of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Bel Canto,” an original opera based on her luminous 2001 book. It […]
Eighteen years after opening on Broadway, “The Lion King” is still roaring through theaters around the world. Broadway’s highest grossing musical, it’s been translated into eight different languages and seen by more than 80 million people. Leading the current national tour is Chicago native Aaron Nelson, who plays Simba. Nelson shared his thoughts about acting, […]
The Second City theater company (yeah, the one that spawned stars like Tina Fey, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Steve Carell and countless other amazing comedy stars) has opened its 104th revue. “Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu” is exactly what you’d expect from this comedy giant: uproarious. There’s one big twist though — this show is über-feminist, […]
You’ve heard the saying, “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” Now, help the Wilmette Theatre make that a reality. The Wilmette Theatre is proud to announce the launch of its “Take a Seat” campaign to raise the funds needed to pay for the replacement of the theatre’s 40-year-old seats. Those who support our […]
Every fall since 1989, the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) has made it their mission to extend the joys of the humanities — through access to cultural, artistic and educational opportunities — to everyone, regardless of age or income. Tickets to various programs are affordable, if not free (many programs are free for students and teachers), and […]
Goodman Theatre’s Music Director, Malcolm Ruhl, is joined by his daughter, Madeline, for the theater’s 38th production of “A Christmas Carol.” Make It Better had a chance to sit down with the director and flutist, who have lived in Highland Park and Evanston. Make It Better: Malcolm, you’ve been a part of this for a few years now. […]
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s love affair with the beautiful Renée Fleming shows no signs of cooling, and after the premiere of “The Merry Widow” Nov. 14, the whole arts community and beyond appeared to be wrapped in the embrace of this acclaimed American soprano. A virtually sold-out crowd packed the Civic Opera House to see and […]
LFLB ArtsLink is exactly the right program for the times. Seventeen outstanding Lake Forest and Lake Bluff arts programs have pooled their resources and connected online to promote their programs more effectively, thanks to the vision and leadership of the LFLB Chamber of Commerce and substantial sponsorship by BMO Harris. LFLB ArtsLink should eliminate duplication […]
After a 10-year hustle in the music and theater business, Winnetka native Jess Godwin realized, through service work, that she needed to be the person and artist she wants to be every day. “I was so focused on appearances and being the best, I forgot what is most important,” Godwin says. Godwin, 32, spent a […]
Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting the story of Cinderella as we’ve never seen it before. Gioachino Rossini’s marvelous retelling of this story (“La Cenerentola”) at the Civic Opera House makes us forget the Disney version. There is no fairy godmother. Instead, a towering philosopher sees to it that virtue is rewarded. No cute little […]
